Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett

#3 Booktown Mystery
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Berkly Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 296
Challenges: Series Challenge 3
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description:
Tricia has had an unwanted house guest for the last two weeks, her friend Pammy from college.  Pammy stopped in just for a day or two, and two weeks later Tricia finds herself throwing Pammy out of her house after she found out Pammy stole $100 from her.    Unfortunately, Tricia finds Pammy later that day, dead.  While Tricia can't say she was great friends with Pammy, she doesn't like that she has been murdered.

Tricia doesn't look forward to be involved in yet another murder investigation, good thing the sheriff who hates her isn't the one investigating this time.

As we can  guess, Tricia decides to do some digging on her own.  This involves learning about the freegans and what they do and, more surprising, who they are.


Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:
This is the 3rd installment in the series and I'm still enjoying it. I actually liked that the sheriff wasn't in this one, since she was a bit on my nerves in the last two.  Angelica, Tricia's sister, is still one of those characters that's supper annoying, yet I didn't think she was as bad this time around. I still think she could be toned down a bit though.  I enjoyed the side story with Mr. Everett too.  That's one of the things I love about the cozies series, the other things that happen in the books to the characters that we know and love.   Now, I'll also admit that this one seemed a bit rushed at the end and I never really figured out who did the dirty work, that was a total surprise (and I'm still not sure what I think of it).  Will I read the 4th one?   You bet!   I still think this is a fun cozy series and I love the idea of a town with several specialty bookstores.


This book is part of my collection and was either bought or given to me.

Series Challenge 3 - wrap-up post

Unfortunately I had my dates wrong and thought I had till the end of December to finish this one, but I don't, it ended the end of November.

The goal of this challenge was finish at least one series that you have started, the goal was to read at least 4 books. I was feeling ambitious at the time and decided I would try and read 21 books, completing 12 series. While that didn't exactly happen, I did manage to read 16 books and completed 7 series! Still impressived! I also still officially completed the challenge. Therefore, this challenge is marked as completed in my book.

Silenced by Syrah by Michele Scott

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 256 pg
Challenges: Read your own books, Series Challenge 3
New-to-me Author: No
Author's Website



Simple Description:
Nikki Sands works at a winery in Napa Valley. She is the manager and she loves it. Recently a hotel and spa was built on the property and also a restaurant. Nikki likes the restaurant owner although she know he is hard on those who work for him and can cause some to dislike him. She never thought somebody would turn to murder though. But..when she finds Georges murdered in the Spa, she realizes at least 1 person disliked Georges enough to get rid of him. She decides to look into the murder, not only because of her curiosity but also because the detective told her to mind her own business. Mixed in with all of this is Nikki's love life. She's been dating Andre' but isn't able to commit yet. That's exactly what he wants of her though. He wants her to go to Spain with him for 6 months. Nikki likes him, but she also has feelings for her boss. She hasn't done anything with those feelings though because she doesn't believe her boss feels the same way about her.

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:

I really like this series. This author has two series, this one and a horse lover's series and I loved both right from the first book. You can't help but love the characters even though some can make you crazy sometimes. I like that in this one Nikki admits that she's doing the snooping just because she is interested in knowing what happened. I like Nikki and I'm glad that the cliff hanger at the end leaves you knowing that she will make a decision on which guy she wants.

In my opinion this is a great cozy mystery series, one that I think most cozy lovers will enjoy. Definitely start from the beginning of the series though, but then, you were all probably going to do that anyway. haha!

This book is part of my collection and was either bought or given to me.

Death Waxed Over by Tim Myers

Copyright: 2005
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 219
Challenges: Series Challenge,
New-to-me Author: No
Author's Website



Simple Description:
Harrison Black has some new competition. Gretel Barnett has recently opened up a candle shop in their small town and she is determined to run his candle shop out of business. They both have a booth at the Founder's Day parade and unfortunately for Harrison, Gretel is murdered when he is walking behind her booth and he is immediately fingered as the prime suspect.

After a couple of days people begin to realize it wasn't him and the police start to look into somebody else. Unfortunately this other person is Harrison's friend and handyman at River's Edge. Harrison does some investigating on his own in hopes of clearing his friends name.

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:

I really enjoy Tim Myer's books. I think it definitely takes a cozy mystery lover to like the books though. I don't think there is enough to them for others to like them, although that's my opinion.

However, for those of us who are fans of cozy mysteries and love the mystery thrown in along with all the normal day activities, this is a great series.

This book is part of my collection and was either bought or given to me.

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 288
Challenges: TBR Challenge, Series Challenge
New-to-me Author: no
Author's Website


Simple Description:
Carmela is back with Shamus and things seem to be ok. Then things turn for the worse when Shamus is kidnapped on a Saturday morning. Things go from worse to, well, horrible, when Carmela runs to Uncle Henry's house for help and instead finds him murdered in his own library. Of course, Aunt Glory blaims Carmela and kicks her out of the garden district house.

Carmala doesn't want to investigate the murder but when she gets a clue as to where Shamus might be, she decides to snoop with her bestfriend and they find Shamus.

Shamus at first appears greatful but then is back to his old tricks, which causes some distress. Of course, there is still a murderer on the loose and the murdered thinks Carmela knows more than she really does. Her life is in danger more than once in this book.

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:

It's been awhile since I read part of this series and I'm glad I finally picked up another one. I really like Carmela, although can't figure out why she keeps going back to Shamus. I like Ava too - the two make a great pair of friends. I think this is a fun cozy book and definitly plan to read the rest in the series

Down by the River by Robyn Carr

Copyright: 2003

Publisher: Mira

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 366

Challenges: Series Challenge Season 3

New-to-me author: No

author Website

Simple Desription:

This is the 3rd book in the trilogy. In this one June is pregnant and the towns people who love her want to know more about the father and when she is getting married. June, however, doesn't feel that marriage should be rushed.

Aunt Myrna is sure how to feel when she learns that her pen-pal, a fellow author, is coming to visit. I'm not saying anything else though, because this was a fun surprise.

Something is going on with their new minister, but nobody really knows what.

Tragedy hits Grace Valley when they get too much rain and the creek behind the clinic and dinner and other places flood. Will this help bring together some of the townsfolk or is there just too much damange?

Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:

This is the final book in the trilogy, and boy was I sad to see it end. I really love all the charactors. I love the small town and how they call come together to help somebody in need. This is definitly a book that I recommend reading. Although, I think you should start with the first in the series.

Just Over the Mountain by Robyn Carr

Copyright: 2002
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 364
Challenges: Series Challenge
New-to-me author? No
Author's website

Simple Description
This is the 2^nd book in the Grace Valley Series. This one finds June Hudson still seeing the undercover cop. Their romance is great and it's hard to keep it a secret, but she must. Things get harder, however, when her highschool flame moves back to town. Chris Forest left her for another girl in Grace Valley and then moved away. This broke June's heard, especially when he didn't have the nerve to tell her this himself. After Chris moves back he tries to get back on June's good side and wants them to be an item, but there is no way that will happen. When Chris moves back, he brings his 2 sons. They are more than a handful. Shortly after they show up there is vandalism and more. Chris is oblivious that his sons are doing anything wrong and this causes some issues with the local sheriff and his family.

Meanwhile, there is some drama at the clinic. When Charlotte is unable to work, John's wife, Susan, steps up and works as nurse. She loves it! June asked John if Susan would be willing to work full-time but John says no. However Susan approaches June and asks if she would be willing to hire her on full-time. This starts a lot of drama between John and Susan.

Other things happen in Junes life, but I don't want to spoil anything by mentioning them. I will say that I figured out some stuff before it was actually told in the story, but this didn't ruin the story for me.

Why did I read this book?
I read the first one as a buddy read with some friends and we all loved it and immediately agreed to read the rest of the series together.

What I liked most:
I loved the characters and the town. That's what I loved about the first book and I continue to love it with the second. I love June and most of the other characters. I really can't wait to read the 3^rd book in the trilogy.

Was there something I didn't like?
Not really.

Do I recommend the book?
Yes!!!! I think this is a great trilogy. The characters are great, the story movies and keeps my interest. I read it pretty fast just because I didn't want to put it down, I wanted to read more about the characters.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Ace Books
Genre: Romance/Mystery = I don't know
Pages: 312
Challenges: Series challenge 3, Love Bites
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
I'm not going to give too much of a description for this book because a) if you already read this series you don't really care what it's about, you still want to get your hands on a copy or b) you still haven't started this series but want to and if that's the case you really do need to start with #1 and not this one which is the latest in the series or c) you have no desire to read this series.

Ok..so now that that is over. The gist of this book is that the were population makes itself known to the world. Then Crystal, Jason's Ex is murdered. Then Sookie finds out that there is trouble in fairy land and she is a target. Let's mix into the story Eric's involvement with Sookie and Bills desire to still date Sookie. What does that give you? A fun book! Haha! I did enjoy this one more than I liked #8, the last one. I thought the author was losing her touch with that one and wasn't sure if this new one would live up to it. But..I did really enjoy this one and it was great to read about the happenings in Bon Temp.

You can almost always count on Harris to have several funny lines in her books. One of my favorites from this book is: " Something about putting on my underwear makes me feel more capable."

Why did I read this book?
I love this series and was able to use this book for a couple of challenges.

What I liked most:
There is almost never a dull minute.

Was there something I didn't like?
I thought it ended rather abruptly. I would have liked a bit more closure I think.

Do I recommend the book?
Yup. It's a really fun series if you like reading about vampires and another supernatural beings.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

A Rose from the Dead by Kate Collins

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Obsidian
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 283
Challenges: TBR challenge, Series Challenge,
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
Abby is renting a booth with one of her friends at a Funeral Directors convention. She is trying to get some more business for her flower shop however she gets caught in another murder investigation. Surprising right? This time one of her friends, Delilah, is the murder suspect. Abby and Marco decide to investigate the murder so they can clear Delilah's name. Abby is positive the murderers are either one or both of the Urban twins. Earlier in the day they had locked Abby in a fake phone booth that was decorated to look like a coffin. Since the murdered woman was found locked in a coffin, she knows she was just practice for the twins. Meanwhile, the police detective and Marco think it could be the wacko named Eli. Eli has a confrontation with the murdered victim earlier in the day and he was found back inside the convention center. Abby thinks Eli is harmless, just rather weird. When Marco and Abby find a cassette tape that once belonged to the murder victim, they believe they hold the missing clue. It appears this was used for blackmail. The cassette tape is an old vhs beta version and there is only one person Abby knows that might have a beta player. Somehow she must convince him to let her borrow it before the convention ends and time runs out.

Why did I read this book?
This is one of my favorite series.

What I liked most:
I love Abby. I love Marco. I love…well I could go on and on. This is definitely one of those books where I love the majority of the characters and how they interact with each other.

Was there something I didn't like?
Not really.

Do I recommend the book?
Yes, yes, and yes again. This is a great cozy mystery series.


Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.


Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Berkley Prime crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 280
Challenges: TBR Challenge, Series Challenge, Paranormal Challenge
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
Tolliver and Harper have a job in a small town in North Carolina. Several local boys have gone missing and the Grandma of one of the boys doesn't believe they are runaways like the older sheriff believed. The new sheriff believes something is going on as well and is open to Harper doing what she does best – finding bodies. Harper does find the grave site for the boys, it appears they were all killed by the same person or persons. Later that night, Harper is attacked when she leaves the hotel room.

Because this is a small town, outside help is brought in to help with the investigation. They insist Harper stick around. Soon Harper is convinced that there was more than one person in on the killings, yet the police arrest somebody and don't tell the towns people that they also believe there was more than one killer.

If you have read this series than you know that in the last book, Harper realized she had feelings for Tolliver. While their parents did marry – they are not biological brother and sister. This relationship intensifies in this book.

Why did I read this book?
I really liked the other books in the series and wanted to continue with it.

What I liked most:
I liked the paranormal aspect to it and the mystery behind it.

Was there something I didn't like?
Ok, while it doesn't bother me that Harper and Tolliver have feelings for each other (I get that they would say they were brother/sister and their parents were married – but they are not related biologically). However, that being said, I thought it was taken too far in this book. I didn't mind that they had sex in the book – rather it was how they talked about it and their language. It just wasn't necessary and turned me off. I don't mind sex in books but sometimes don't like how it's talked about. I mean they would talk about size and what not and it was just kinda gross. I don't know…just didn't fit with the book in my opinion. Have you read this book? What did you think – am I alone in my thoughts here or did you feel the same way?

Do I recommend the book?
I'm torn on this. Other than what I mentioned above, I did enjoy the book. I really do like Harper and Tolliver and find what they do interesting and think it makes for a great story. I do plan to read the next in the series (assuming there will be a next). In the past I have praised and highly recommended the other 2 in the series. I'm just torn on this one because of the sex talk.

Also reviewed by:

Kittling: Books

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Tacked to Death by Michele Scott

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery (cozy)
Pages: 262
Challenges: 2009 Read-Your-Own books, Series Challenge 3, Cozy Mystery Challenge
New-to-me author? No
Author’s website

Simple Description
Michaela’s friend Camden has convinced her to open up a tack shop. For opening day they are hosting a charity polo match (to raise money for the autistic riding program Michaela is doing) and a fashion show. Unfortunately this means that Michaela has had to spend some time with a man that might be handsome and rich, but who Michaela finds unappealing. When Michaela finds this man, Sterling, murdered in her office during the fashion show, she becomes the prime suspect. In fact, Michaela is arrested for the murder. Luckily with the help of Joe’s cousin, she is released on bail. Michaela immediately begins to investigate the murder herself. She knows the police are focused on her and nobody else, and she knows she didn’t do it. Joe has agreed to help her. In fact, I think Joe enjoys being part of a secret murder investigation. Also, to muddy the waters a bit, somebody told the police that Michaela was sleeping with the murdered victim and her boyfriend/police officer is on vacation.
Along with trying to clear her name, Michaela is also dealing with Ethan and his wife Summer. Michaela wants kids and it just appears as if Summer isn’t that great a mother and not really connected to her child. Michaela doesn’t want to get involved, but something happens that doesn’t give her much of a choice.

Why did I read this book?
This is the 3rd in the series and I’ve loved the other two. Of course I would continue with the series.

What I liked most:
The characters. I love the characters. Michaela is independent and strong yet she yearns for the life that others have with their spouse’s and kids. She is a great friend and wonderful to her horses. Of course, Joe and his wife are great too. And Ethan…and well, I’ll just stop there. I love the main characters in this book.

Was there something I didn’t like?
Sometimes it seemed the Michaela would “think” the same things over and over again, such as wanting to be a mom. I get why it was done, but don’t think it needed to be repeated throughout the book, once was enough. This didn’t ruin the story for me in anyway, but if I’m looking for something to pick out and say I didn’t like..that would be it.

Do I recommend the book?
Absolutely. I think this is a great cozy mysteries series and I think lots of others would like it too. I can think of several of my blog friends that I think would like this one.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I’ll link it below.
Sorry, no linked reviews yet.



Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Peppermint Twisted by Sammi Carter

Copyright: 2007

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

Genre: Mystery (cozy)

Pages: 244

Challenges: TBR Challenge (main list), Series challenge season 3

New-to-me author? No

Author website

Simple Description

Abby is looking forward to the Paradise arts festival that's coming up soon. Then the mayor removes the director of the arts festival and puts Felicity Asbury in her place. Nobody likes Felicity and ask Abby to talk to her. Abby goes to Felicity's house to have a chat, only it doesn't go so well. The next morning, Felicity is found murder, in her car, in front of Abby's candy store. Abby promises the cops that she won't investigate the murder, but when she finds out that the towns people think that she is the murderer, Abby doesn't feel she has any other choice.

Then another person is found dead. Unfortunately, Abby also had a run-in with this person the night before. Abby isn't sure exactly how this murder ties in with the other one, but she knows it does.

Why did I read this book?

I have read the first two in the series and enjoy them. I've had this one for awhile and since it was taking me awhile to get to it, I used it for 2 challenges this year.

What I liked most:

Probably the same thing I like about most cozy mysteries, it's a light mystery. There's nothing gory about it, there's lot of towns folk and normal stuff going on. It's a light read, but still interesting. I like that Abby works in a candy shop. I like that she left this small town to go to college and have a career and didn't come back until her life was falling apart. This causes tension between herself and a lot of her relatives in the town of Paradise. I think that just makes the story more interesting, because you have that tension along with the murder.

Was there something I didn't like?

The character seemed to dwell on the past too much. I know, that happens a lot. Heck, it happens a lot in real life. But..it seemed to be a bit too much in this book. I still liked the character though.

Do I recommend the book?

I do, although I recommend starting with the 1^st in the series if you haven't already. I think this is a fun cozy mysteries and do forward to more from this author.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Deadly Gift by Heather Graham

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Romantic Paranormal (I consider it Mystery)
Pages: 387
Challenges: Series Challenge Season 3
New-to-me author? No

Simple Description

This is the last in the Flynn Brother's trilogy which means Zach is the brother who does the majority of the investigating. Sean O'Riley is off to Ireland on his honeymoon. He married a woman who is much younger than he is, and whom nobody really likes. Not long after Sean arrives in Ireland he is taken to the hospital because he is so sick. Caer is assigned to look after him. Sean is soon well enough to return to Rhode Island and he employs Caer to come with him as his nurse. On the day Sean left for Ireland, his business partner and friend, Eddie disappeared and is believed dead. Zach was called in to investigate Eddie's disappearance and Sean's illness. Sean's daughter, Kat, insists that Amanda (the new wife) had something to do with it. Zach doesn't think Amanda is intelligent enough to do it. Soon it becomes apparent that the killer is somebody the family knows. Zach must figure out who it is and what they are after before Sean, or anybody else, is murdered.

Why did I read this book?

I enjoy Heather Graham's books. I've read the first 2 in the Flynn Brothers trilogy and was looking forward to this one.

What I liked most:

I like that with this one, the paranormal aspect was so different from the other ones. It has to do with the Irish legend of the Banshee. In fact, that made it different from most other paranormal books I've read.

Was there something I didn't like?

Not really.

Do I recommend the book?

I do! While I think you can read the trilogy out of order, I do think it's best to read it in order. I love the Flynn Brothers, so it was fun that all three were in this book again. I do wish there would be more with these brothers in them though, I think she could have a fun series with them.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Death Reins in by Michele Scott

Copyright: 2007

Publisher: Berkley (Prime Crime)

Genre: Mystery (cozy)

Pages: 266

Challenges: TBR challenge, Series Challenge Season 3

New-to-me author? no

Simple Description:

Michaela Bancroft heads to the horse races with a good friend, Audrey. While there she learns that Audrey's brother has gone missing. Before she has a chance to tell Audrey the news, Audrey is murdered. Even though Michaela is warned not to get involved, she asks questions to try and find the person who did this. The police think that Audreys missing brother had a hand in it, but Michaela doesn't believe that's the case.

As Michaela does her thing, she finds lot of interesting things regarding people Audrey was friends with, or at least was associated with. Michaela also has trouble with one of her horses.

Why did I read this book?

I read the first in the series last year and really enjoyed it. So of course I wanted to continue with the series.

Was there something I didn't like?

I'm glad that I can honestly say no. I loved this book!

Do I recommend this book?

Definitely! I know I have several followers of this blog who read cozy mysteries. If you are one of them and haven't picked up this series yet, I urge you to do so. I doubt you will be disappointed.

One of the things I really love about this story is that Michaela doesn't have a friend in law enforcement that she uses to help with this case. I mean, she does have a friend in law enforcement, but he isn't the source of help. Instead, her good friend Joe helps her. He has lots of cousins, who "know" people. If I remember correctly, they have ties to the Italian mafia. Either way, it think it's an original idea for the world of cozy mysteries.

Plus, need I even mention how much I love the characters? I do love reading about Michaela and her horse ranch. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Booked for Murder by Tim Myers

Copyright: 2004
Publisher: Berkley (Prime Crime)
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 202
Challenges: 2009 Read-Your-Own Books, Series Challenge Season 3
New-to-me Author? No

Simple Description:
Alex has agreed to let a local rich man display his emerald at the inn. The emerald is the biggest ever found and worth a lot of money. It's the last day for the emerald to be available for the public to view. When the owner shows up at the Inn, they find the security guard who was watching over the emerald dead. Then they find that the emerald has been stolen.

Alex vows to stay out of the murder investigation, however that's hard to do when one of his guests is shot out. Then, Alex and Elise are shot at.

This one has a lot more to do with Alex and Elise and the things going on at the Inn than it does the murder. I'm not complaining though, I liked it that way.

Why did I read this book?
I love this series. It's the last in the series, unfortunately. I have been saving this one because I didn't want the series to end however I finally decided it was time to read it and enjoy it.

Was there something I didn't like?
Only the fact that it's the last in the series, otherwise I loved it.

Do I recommend this book?
Absolutely! Although, I do recommend you read the series in order. Tim Myers writes a great cozy mystery, well, several actually. This is one of my favorite though. The charactors are great, the setting is peaceful..how can you not like it?

If you have reviewed this book, please let me know and I'll link it below.
Sorry, no reviews yet.

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Ace
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 368
Challenges: 2009 Read-Your-Own Books Challenge, Series Challenge Season 3,
New-to-me author? No

Simple Description

I took the following from Amazon.com:

Starred Review. Harris outdoes herself in this pivotal eighth Sookie Stackhouse novel (after 2007's All Together Dead), packing the story full of romantic tension and supernatural action. Having barely survived a catastrophic vampire hotel explosion, Sookie's back at work in Bon Temps, La., serving vintage blood and waiting tables at Merlotte's, a vampire bar. Participating in a friend's wedding and fending off the advances of her vampire ex-lover, Bill, and her blood-bonded pal, Eric, leaves Sookie chafing over the recent lack of communication from Quinn, her weretiger boyfriend. When a violent Were power struggle erupts as Vegas vampires attempt to take over Louisiana from disgraced queen Sophie-Anne, Sookie dives into the middle of it, determined to help her shape-changing, blood-drinking friends. Harris provides many fun twists, most significantly Sookie's meeting with her fae great-grandfather, Niall Brigant, which paves the way for a shock ending that will delight longtime fans.

Why did I read this book?

This is one of my favorite series. This is the most recent in the series, I bought it soon after it came out, and finally had a chance to read it.

About the book:

While this story is different from past ones, it's still very similar. From the simple description you already know that Sookie lands herself in the middle of a Vampire war and a Were war. Nothing new for Sookie. There is also trouble brewing between Jason and Crystal, his new wife. Sookie gets stuck in the middle of that one too. It ends with Sookie never wanting to deal with Jason again, I personally don't blame her. Sookie also learns where she got her fairy blood. Oh..and remember Quinn, he sorta disappeared. She learns where he disappeared to and she isn't very happy. Will Sookie ever find the love she wants? Will there ever be a time when she isn't brought into the middle of Vampire and Shifter problems? Oh, and also in the simple description above, it says that there is a shocking end..I'm here to tell you that I loved the end! I think it was a great way to end the book and while I don't expect there to be anything in the next book about it, I do expect to read more about it later in the series.

What I liked most:

I love the characters. Sookie is great. She tries to do the right thing, even though it usually results in her being put in danger. I like the shifters and the vampires. While you can expect each book to have some kind of issue between the vampire community and the shifter community, it's still fun to see what will happen and how Sookie will be involved. With this book, I especially liked that there were several major issues. Instead of there being one major problem that the beginning and middle of the book leads up to, we had several things that took place. I think I liked this because I don't necessary read the books for the problems, I read it because I like the characters. So in this one there were several major issues that the characters had to deal with. I don't know, I just liked it.

Was there something I didn't like?

Only the fact that I'm caught up in the series and now have to wait awhile for the next one to be released.

Do I recommend the book?

Absolutely! This is one of my favorite series. Sure it's odd, sure it's not "normal", but it's a heck of a lot of fun to read. I do recommend that you start from the beginning though. I just think you would miss a lot if you read them out of order.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Reviewed by:

LadyTink

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Deadly Harvest by Heather Graham

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Mira
Genre: paranormal romantic suspense (For the purpose of my stats, I consider this a mystery)
Pages: 385
Challenges: Series Challenge Season 3,
New-to-me author? No

Simple Description

I took the following from the authors website:

When a young woman is found dead in a field, dressed up as a scarecrow with a slashed grin and a broken neck, the residents of Salem, Massachusetts, begin to fear that the infamous Harvest Man is more than just a rumor. But out-of-town cop Jeremy Flynn doesn't have time for ghost stories. He's in town on another investigation, looking for a friend's wife, who mysteriously vanished in a cemetery.

Complicating his efforts is local occult expert Rowenna Cavanaugh, who launches her own investigation, convinced that a horror from the past has crept into the present and is seducing women to their deaths. Jeremy uses logic and solid police work. Rowenna depends on intuition. But they both have the same goal: to stop the abductions and locate the missing women before Rowenna herself falls prey to the Harvest Man's dark seduction.

Why did I read this book?

I have liked all the books I have read by this author. This is actually the 2^nd in the Flynn Brother's trilogy and I was buddy reading it with some on-line friends.

About the book:

Rowena is in New Orleans doing some debates with Jeremy on-air. She was immediately attracted to him but he acted like he wanted nothing to do with her. On the last day that Rowena is in town, as they are leaving the radio station Jeremy see's an article in the paper regarding his friend's wife disappearing. This happened to take place in Rowena's home town. Rowena and Jeremy go out to dinner and later Jeremy stops trying to stay away from her…and that's where the "romantic" bit of the story begins. Rowena and Jeremy go to Salem and meet up with the chief of police, Joe. Rowena sometimes does some work for Joe and they are on really good terms. Soon Jeremy is looking at some of Rowena's friends as suspects. When a woman is found murdered, things really heat up. Soon Rowena is convinced the recent abductions have something to do with the old legend about the Harvest Man.

What I liked most:

I like the romantic bits thrown in with the suspense bits thrown in with a bit of ghost and good ole paranormal. These types of books are perfect for me! I think it was the owner of Heidi's books who turned me on to this author, and I can't thank her enough. It's really easy to follow the author's story and while they aren't scary, the mystery/murder aspect is just enough to keep my interest.

Was there something I didn't like?

I find that so far in this trilogy, the books are written with two main characters. One is a guy and the other is a girl. No problems so far. The problem is that the author writes in first person, and switches which of the two main characters it is, and not with the start of a new chapter. Usually this happens multiple times in the same chapter. Don't get me wrong, this is an author who can pull it off. I am rarely confused and can easily follow who is "thinking" and whose point of view I'm reading from. I kinda get that it works for this trilogy because of how they are set-up. So while it doesn't really bother me, it is something I wanted to point out so that others are aware of this before they start reading them.

Do I recommend the book?

Absolutely! I consider these light reads. If you read other authors who do the romantic suspense books, try this out. If you read other authors who do the paranormal suspense, try this out. Heck..if you don't already read the author, try this out. Haha!

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me ac omment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Challenge Update

I decided to put all the books I plan to read for challenges all together on a bookshelf.  Well, I went searching for all the books and because the majority of them are still in boxes awaiting my library, I couldn't find 2.   So I had to make some changes, listed below.

TBR Challenge:

On the alternate list I removed Size 14 is not Fat Either by Meg Cabot and replaced it with The Presence by Heather Graham

Series Challenge Season 3:

I replaced Size 14 is not Fat Either and replaced it with 5 books by Linda O. Johnston.  I must be crazy!   I listed the 4 that will get me caught up in her series as of today, and also listed a 5th that will be published this year.  I added A Fine-feathered Death, Meow is four Murder, The Flight of the Iguana, Double Dog Dare, and Never Say Sty. 

1st in a Series Challange:

I removed Carbs and Cadavers by J.B. Stanley and replaced it with A Peach of a Murder by Livia J. Washburn

Series Challenge Season 3

Kathrin at Crazy Cozy Murders is hosting the Series Challenge Season 3.

I didn't join in the other seasons because the time frame was too short for me, but this time it runs for a year. While I think I'm at the point where I have too many challenges started, I'm hoping I can do well with this one. I love mystery series and I have a ton started that I want to finish, so this seems like the perfect challenge for me. Plus, to complete the challenge, I really only have to read 4 books. How hard can that be? Right…I shouldn't have said that.

The rules are easy:

1) Pick a couple series you already started and now want to finish (meaning, you'll be all up to date with the series when it ends).

2) Read at least 4 books, more are also okay, of course!

3) Post your review of the books on your blog or in the comment section, no matter how long. If you post the review on your blog, please post a link to the review in the comment section so that everyone else can check out your review.

4) Have fun!

The dates for the challenge are December 1, 2008 – November 30, 2009

I'm going to make a list of books I would like to read for this challenge. I'm going to tell you right now that I'll change as I see fit in order to complete this challenge, but I do hope to stick to this list. I'm going to only pull books that I already own. I might run into a problem if the authors publish new books for the series in 2009 and I don't get them, but I'll have to deal with that when it happens.

Meg Cabot – Size 14 is not Fat Either (#2)

Sammi Carter – Peppermint Twisted (#3)

Jackie Chance – Hold 'em Hostage (#3)

Laura Childs – Motif for Murder (#4), Frill Kill (#5)

Kate Collins – A Rose From the Dead (#6), Shoots to Kill (#7)

Heather Graham – Deadly Harvest (#2), Deadly Gift (#3)

Charlaine Harris – From Dead to Worse (#8)(Sookie series), An Ice Cold Grave (#3)(Harper series)

Tim Myers – At Wick's End series: Snuffed Out (#2), Dead Waxed Over (#3), A Flicker of a Doubt (#4), Lighthouse series: Booked for Murder (#5)

Michelle Scot – Horse Lover's Series: Death Reins In (#2), Tacked to Death (#3), Wine Lover's series: Silanced by Syrah (#3), A Vintage Murder (#4)

Ok…we can all clearly see that I listed a lot more than 4. Will I get to this entire list? Probably not. Would I love to get through this list? Yeah, I would. Do I think I can read at least 4 (the rules set by the challenge owner) from this list? I really do.

Happy Reading…and thanks for stopping by! Kris